Lightweight deck for motorized sport boards

ABSTRACT

A device ( 600 ), having a structural portion ( 100 ) of a deck ( 102 ) formed by a molded skin ( 504 ), the skin forming a nose ( 200 ), a tail ( 202 ), two rails ( 204, 206 ) connecting the nose to the tail, each rail having a respective rail cavity, and a recess ( 104 ) in the skin formed between the respective rail cavities. The structural portion is configured to secure trucks ( 700, 702 ) to a bottom portion ( 118 ) of the structural portion opposite the recess.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/144,704 filed April 8, which is incorporated by reference herein inits entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to motorized sport boards and,more particularly, to a deck having a recess for components associatedwith propulsion of the sport board.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The statements in this section merely provide background informationrelated to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Sport boards such as skateboards are popular transportation andrecreational devices. It is well known in the art(s) that skateboardsmay be powered by one or more motors, thereby allowing riders to enjoytheir utility while exerting less energy and effort. Such motors arefrequently driven by electric means that often comprise batteries,wires, and other electronics. These components and others like them areoften contained within various housing elements securely attached to theunderside of the skateboard's deck.

Several problems arise when securing too many additional components tothe outside of a skateboard. First of all, the housing for thecomponents adds to the overall weight of the skateboard, hinderingperformance aspects such as maximum speed, travel range, andmaneuverability, as well as making the skateboard harder to carry aroundand store. Additionally, mounting components to the exterior of askateboard, particularly the underside, reduces the ground clearance ofthe skateboard and makes the components prone to getting caught onprotrusions and, in some cases, breaking, thereby rendering theskateboard less durable in use and more expensive to maintain thannon-motorized skateboards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts. Theseconcepts are further described below in the Detailed Descriptionsection. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of this disclosure's subject matter, nor is thissummary intended as an aid in determining the scope of the disclosedsubject matter,

Aspects of the present disclosure provide devices and computer programproducts which facilitate the incorporation of at least one motor with asport board without adding a significant amount of weight to the boardor hindering the board's overall performance capabilities. Specifically,devices and computer program products are disclosed wherein a sportboard, such as a skateboard, comprises a deck with a recess configuredto house one or more components associated with providing motorizedfunctionality to the board, thereby eliminating the additional weightand bulkiness that normally comes with housing such components withinstorage elements attached to the board's exterior.

Sport boards provided by the present disclosure may comprise a deck madeup of one or more lightweight yet durable materials, such as carbonfiber and/or Kevlar® aramid fiber provided by DuPont™ of Wilmington,Del. The deck may be configured so as to comprise at least one recesswhile still maintaining the ability to structurally support itself, thecontents of the deck, and a user's bodyweight.

Within the recess of the deck, one or more components may be containedthat are used to power, control, and/or drive at least one motor thatserves to propel the board. Such components may comprise wires,electronics, batteries, software controllers, wireless communicationsdevices, and the like. In some example embodiments, the at least onerecess of the deck may be accessible by a removable panel positioned oneither the top or bottom portion of the deck. The at least one motor maybe powered by any known energy sources, including electric power, solarpower, internal combustion power, wind power, and the like.

In some example embodiments, the at least one motor may be mounted onthe underside of the deck, near one or more of the trucks if the boardis a skateboard.

In some additional example embodiments, the motor and/or any of thecomponents associated therewith may be controlled by a remote controldevice in electronic communication with controlling electronicsintegrated within the deck. The remote control device may communicatewith the controlling electronics via a wired connection or via wirelesscommunication technology, such as infrared, RF, radio, or Bluetooth®technology provided by Bluetooth SIG of Kirkland, Wash.

In yet some further example embodiments, the performance of motorizedsport boards in accordance with the present disclosure may be controlledby a software application in communication with electronic componentsand associated software elements within the deck. Such communication mayoccur wirelessly via Bluetooth® or over a wireless network, such as theglobal public Internet. Such a software application may be containedwithin a mobile or stationary computing device such as a smartphone,tablet, laptop computer, desktop computer, and the like.

Further features and advantages of the present disclosure, as well asthe structure and operation of various aspects of the presentdisclosure, are described in detail below with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description briefly stated above will be rendered byreference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in theappended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typicalembodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of itsscope, the embodiments will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 depicts an example embodiment of a structural portion and coverof a deck of a sport board;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the structural portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the structural portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the structural portion of FIG. 3along line 4-4;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the structural portion of FIG. 4, alongline 5-5;

FIG. 6 is a top view of an example embodiment of a motorized sport boardhaving the structural portion and cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the example embodiment of the motorized sportboard having the structural portion and cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an example embodiment of the motorized sportboard having the structural portion and cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a side view of an example embodiment of a remote controlapparatus used to control the sport board of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing system useful forimplementing an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments are described herein with reference to the attached figureswherein like reference numerals are used throughout the figures todesignate similar or equivalent elements. The figures are not drawn toscale and they are provided merely to illustrate aspects disclosedherein. Several disclosed aspects are described below with reference tonon-limiting example applications for illustration. It should beunderstood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methodsare set forth to provide a full understanding of the embodimentsdisclosed herein. One having ordinary skill in the relevant art,however, will readily recognize that the disclosed embodiments can bepracticed without one or more of the specific details or with othermethods. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are notshown in detail to avoid obscuring aspects disclosed herein. Theembodiments are not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts orevents, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrentlywith other acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts orevents are required to implement a methodology in accordance with theembodiments.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forththe broad scope are approximations, the numerical values set forth inspecific non-limiting examples are reported as precisely as possible.Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errorsnecessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed hereinare to be understood to encompass any and all sub-ranges subsumedtherein. For example, a range of “less than 10” can include any and allsub-ranges between (and including) the minimum value of zero and themaximum value of 10, that is, any and all sub-ranges having a minimumvalue of equal to or greater than zero and a maximum value of equal toor less than 10, e.g., 1 to 4.

Embodiments are directed to devices and computer program products thatfacilitate the ability of a sport board to comprise machine poweredmobility while maintaining a light weight and low profile. Theembodiments provide devices and computer program products whichfacilitate the housing of one or more components associated with amotorized sport board within a recess formed by a deck having at leastone internal cavity, thereby minimizing the amount of weight added tothe board by housing for the components and maintaining a simplistic,low profile for the board. As used herein, the term cavity applies to aspace within the deck, as opposed to the term recess which applies to aspace recessed into an outside surface of the deck. Sport boards inaccordance with the present disclosure may comprise light yet durablematerials capable of supporting the components within the recess as wellas a user riding the board.

The term “sport board” and/or the plural form of this term are usedthroughout herein to refer to transportation and/or recreational devicesthat are substantially planar and are capable of carrying at least oneriding user. Sport boards may include skateboards, snowboards,surfboards, and the like.

FIG. 1 depicts an example embodiment of a structural portion 100 of adeck 102 of a sport board device, the structural portion 100 having atleast one recess 104 and a cover 106. The recess 104 is used to containvarious components associated with providing propulsion for the sportboard including, but not limited to, at least one battery 108,electronics 110, and wiring 112. In some aspects, battery 108 is arechargeable battery. By way of example and not limitation, battery 108may be a lithium ion battery, or any other appropriate type of batteryas will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) afterreading the description herein. In some additional example embodiments,electronics 110 may comprise one or more controlling elements and/orvarious wireless communications equipment. As will be appreciated bythose skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the descriptionherein, various other components may be contained within recess 104instead of or in addition to the components depicted in FIG. 1. This isespecially true when sport board is powered by non-electric means, suchas via internal combustion, or when alternative electric means are usedto sport board, such as solar power, wind power, and the like.Regardless of the means used to power the sport board, a power buttonmay be integrated with the sport board to shut it off or turn it on.

The recess 104 may be completely enclosed and sealed by at least onecover 106 for protection from impact, weather, vibration, and otherpotentially damaging occurrences. The cover 106 may be permanently orremovably secured over the recess 104. In example embodiments whereinthe cover 106 is removable, the cover 106 may be removably secured overthe recess 104 via any appropriate means as will be recognized by thoseskilled in the relevant art(s), including being attached via one or morehinges, sliding elements, fasteners, locking mechanisms, and the like.Sliding elements may allow the cover 106 to slide and be received withina portion of the deck 102 in order to allow access to the recess 104.Fasteners useable with the cover 106 may include, without limitation,screws, nuts, bolts, pins, clips, clamps, snaps, nails, and the like.Various locking mechanisms that may be used with the cover 106 mayinclude, without limitation, tongue and groove elements, snaps, tabs,clips, clamps, and the like. In an example embodiment, the cover 106 issecured to the board using electronic grade silicone. This protects thecomponents by keeping dust and water, etc., out of the recess 104. Aswill be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) afterreading the description herein, the cover 106 may be configured on thetop or bottom portion of the structural portion 100. In an exampleembodiment, two covers 106 are used, wherein one cover 106 is arrangedon a top portion 114 of the structural portion 100 and a second cover106 is arranged on a bottom portion 116 of the structural portion 100.Removing panel(s) 106 may allow components to be accessed, repaired,loaded, and/or removed from recess 104. In an example embodiment, thecover 106 rests on a recessed lip 118 in the structural portion 100.

The structural portion 100 may comprise one or more materials that arelightweight yet are durable enough to support and protect the componentswithin the recess 104 as well as support at least one user riding onsport board. Materials that may be used to provide the desiredlightweight and durable aspects of structural portion 100 include carbonfiber and Kevlar® aramid fiber provided by DuPont™ of Wilmington, Del.Other materials comprising similar properties and various combinationsof such materials may also be used as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein,including materials that may be developed in the future.

In an alternate example embodiment (not shown), the structural portion100 may comprise a top portion and a separate bottom portion. The topportion may be securely attached to the bottom portion via one or morefasteners, such as, by way of example and not limitation, screws, nuts,bolts, pins, clips, clamps, snaps, nails, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the structural portion 100 of FIG. 1.The structural portion 100 includes a nose 200, a tail 202, rails 204and 206 connecting the nose 200 to the tail 202, and a structuralportion side wall 208. The nose 200, the tail 202, and the rails 204,206 may form respective cavities therein. In an example embodiment, oneor more of the cavities contain one or more components of the sportboard therein, including, but not limited to, portions of the wiring112, lights, a battery indicator, a charging port, switches, buttons,sensors, and similar elements as will be appreciated by those skilled inthe relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. Further, oneor more of the cavities may include structural components. For example,stringers that run some or all of a length of the structural portion100, or shapes that form I-beams or the like. One or more of thecavities may be partially or fully filled with material, including foam,wood etc. This filler material may add strength to the structuralportion 100 and/or may provide shock absorption for any componentsstored in the cavities. Additionally, in an example embodiment, the nose200, the tail 202, and the rails 204, 206 may comprise one or more shockabsorbent materials thereon, such as rubber, in order to protect thesport board upon impact with a hard structure or surface.

The recess 104 is formed in a top surface 212 of the top portion 114,between the rails 204, 206, the recess 104 comprising a recess bottom214 having a recess bottom surface 216, and a recess side wall 218having a recess side wall surface 220. In an example embodiment, rail204 is formed by a respective portion 230 of the structural portion sidewall 208, a respective portion 232 of the recess side wall 218, arespective portion 234 of the top portion 114, and a respective portion236 of the bottom portion 116. Likewise, rail 206 is formed by arespective portion 240 of the structural portion side wall 208, arespective portion 242 of the recess side wall 218, a respective portion244 of the top portion 114, and a respective portion 246 of the bottomportion 116.

In an alternate example embodiment (not shown), there may be more thantwo rails 204, 206. For example, there may be three rails, where a thirdrail may be parallel to the rails 204, 206 and may split the cavity 104into two cavities that are side-by-side. This would provide increasedstrength for the structural portion 100. An embodiment having elongatedcavities may be beneficial if the battery 108 is selected to have along, narrow configuration, etc. Any number of rails is possible, and inexample embodiments where the device is physically relatively large,several rails may be used to provide the required strength. In addition,the rails 204, 206, and/or any additional rails may be oriented fromnose 200 to tail 202, or one or more may be canted from thisorientation.

In an example embodiment, additional structure may be included in thestructural portion 100. For example, a cross-bar may span from one rail204 to another rail 206, connecting the rails 204, 206. In anotherexample embodiment, there may be multiple cross bars spanning from onerail 204 to the other, and they may crisscross each other. Some, all, ornone of these additional structural members may define a respectivecavity therein. Any combination of the above is considered to be withinthe scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the structural portion 100 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the structural portion 100 of FIG. 3along line 4-4, with the bottom portion 116 oriented downward. In anembodiment, the rails 204, 206 form respective rail cavities 400, 402therein. While not visible in this view, the nose 200 and tail 202 maylikewise define respective cavities therein. In an embodiment, all ofthe cavities are connected to form a continuous cavity that surroundsthe recess 104, essentially following the recess side wall 218.

In this cross sectional view, each rail defines a perimeter 404, 406,indicated by the respective dashed lines. Perimeter 404 is formed by therespective portion 230 of the structural portion side wall 208, therespective portion 232 of the recess side wall 218, the respectiveportion 234 of the top portion 114, and the respective portion 236 ofthe bottom portion 116. Perimeter 406 is likewise formed by therespective portion 240 of the structural portion side wall 208, therespective portion 242 of the recess side wall 218, the respectiveportion 244 of the top portion 114, and the respective portion 246 ofthe bottom portion 116. In this example embodiment, the perimeters 404,406 are closed, meaning that they form a continuous perimeter around therespective rail cavity 400, 402. In an example embodiment, this isachieved when the recess bottom 214 and the bottom portion 116 are thesame (e.g., monolithic). In an alternate example embodiment, theperimeters 404, 406 may be open. This may happen when the recess bottom214 is distinct from the bottom portion 116, which would leave a gaptherebetween (not shown). Such a monolithic construction may provide amore rigid structural portion 100. This, in turn, better protects anycomponents in the recess 104.

The structural portion 100 may be configured to support most, if not allof the forces expected during intended use. Consequently, the cover 106need not necessarily contribute to a structural stability of the sportboard. Instead, the role of the cover 106 may be relegated to protectingthe components inside the recess. This, in turn, permits the cover 106to be built less substantially, thereby saving weight. It is expectedthat this less substantial construction will periodically result indeflection of the cover. To accommodate these conditions, a positivestop 420 may be installed in the recess 104 to limit deflection 422 ofthe cover 106 beyond a threshold amount 424. The positive stop therebyserves dual functions: it prevents further deflection of the cover 106,and it transfers load from the cover 106 to the positive stop 420 andultimately, to the recess bottom 214, which is part of the structuralportion 100 that is designed to handle the forces. There may be one ormore than one positive stop 420. In an embodiment, the positive stop 420is at least one of the battery 108 and the electronics 110. Alternately,the positive stop 420 may be a separate component.

The battery 108 is shown being disposed fully within the recess 104. Enan example embodiment, all components disposed in the recess 104 fitfully within the recess 104 so that the cover 106 may rest on the lip118 when in an undeflected condition without interference from any ofthe components.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the structural portion 100 of FIG. 4,along line 5-5. The nose 200 and the tail 202 form a nose cavity 500 anda tail cavity 502, respectively. In this example embodiment, thecontinuous cavity 426 surrounds the recess 104 continuously, meaningthat the rail cavities 400, 402, the nose cavity 500, and the tailcavity 502 are all connected. Alternately, one or more of the cavities400, 402, 500, 502 may be discrete. For example, a structural wall orwalls may separate adjacent cavities 400, 402, 500, 502, or somecavities 400, 402, 500, 502 may be continuous while others are discrete.In addition, the cavities may include structural walls (not shown)therein to provide a desired amount of stiffness to the structuralportion 100.

The structural portion 100 may be formed in any of a number of ways. Inan example embodiment, not meant to be limiting, the structural portion100 may be formed via a molding process. A fiber matrix may beimpregnated/infused with a resin or the like to form a composite that,in turn, forms a skin 504. The skin is formed into a desired shape andthen cured to form the structural portion 100. In this manner thestructural portion 100 may be formed from a single skin that, oncecured, forms a monolith.

FIG. 6 is a top view of an example embodiment of a motorized sport board600 having the structural portion 100 and the cover 106 of FIG. 1 andthe cover 106 (not visible) to which a protective layer 602 has beenadded. The protective layer 602 protects the structural portion 100 andthe cover 106 as well as provides a surface having increased frictionfor a user. In an example embodiment, the protective layer 602 includesan adhesive tape base to which grit (e.g., silicon carbide or aluminumoxide) is bonded. In an example embodiment, the protective layer 602 isGriptape, manufactured by Jessup Griptape of McHenry, Ill.

Also visible are a front axle 604 having front wheels 606, a rear axle608 having rear wheels 610, and a motor 612 directly connected to therear axle 608.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the example embodiment of the motorized sportboard 600 having the structural portion 100 and the cover 106 of FIG. 1.Here, it can be seen that trucks 700, 702 are secured to the bottomportion 116 of the structural portion. Particularly, the recess uniquelyformed in the top portion 114 while the trucks 700, 702 are secured tothe bottom portion 116, opposite the recess 104. This arrangement allowsthe components to rest on the recess bottom 214 and the bottom portionnot protrude too far downward.

In an example embodiment, the motor 612 is an electric motor securelyattached underneath the structural portion 100. In an exampleembodiment, the motor 612 is secured directly to the rear axle 608 anddrives the rear wheels 610 a belt or gear or a combination thereof. Onetype of electric motor 612 may produce enough power to allow themotorized sport board 600 to reach a speed of 25 miles per hour andtravel a distance of at least 16 miles on a single battery charge. Insome alternative example embodiments, motor 612 may be another type ofmotor, such as, by way of example and not limitation, an internalcombustion engine.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an example embodiment of the motorized sportboard having the structural portion and cover 106 of FIG. 1. A maximumheight 802 of the wheels 606, 610 with respect to a surface 804 such asthe ground is shown. The compact design enables a lowest part 806 of thebottom portion 116 to be disposed above the line 800, and hence abovethe maximum height 802, thereby providing superior clearance 808 abovethe surface 804.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an example embodiment of a remote controlapparatus 900 used to control the motorized sport board 600 of FIG. 5.In an example embodiment, the motor 612 and the associated componentswithin cavity 104 may be controlled via the remote control apparatus900. The motorized sport board 600 may be communicatively coupled towireless communications equipment and/or electronic controllingcomponents within the recess 104 via infrared, RF, radio, Bluetooth®(provided by Bluetooth SIG of Kirkland, Wash.) or similar wirelesstechnology as recognized by those skilled in the relevant art(s). Insome alternative example embodiments, the motorized sport board 600 maybe directly connected to a controller within the recess 104 via one ormore wires and/or cables.

The remote control apparatus 900 may comprise sliding tab 902 forcontrolling the speed of the motorized sport board 600. In some exampleembodiments, the sliding tab 902 may be a movable linear potentiometerthat slides along a channel within the motorized sport board 600. Movingsliding tab 902 forward may increase the energy output of the motor 612and thereby cause the motorized sport board 600 to accelerate.Similarly, moving sliding tab 902 backward may decrease the energyoutput of the motor 612 and/or activate a braking function that causesthe motorized sport board 600 to decelerate via reduced power and/orfriction instigated upon one or more wheels 606, 610 and/or one or bothaxles 604, 608. In some example embodiments, the braking function is aform of regenerative braking. In some example embodiments, when slidingtab 902 is released, it returns to its initial center position along thechannel.

In an example embodiment the motorized sport board 600 may beincorporated with a software application which may be downloaded to acomputing device, such as a srnartphone, tablet, laptop computer,desktop computer, and the like. The software application mayalternatively be accessed via a network, such as the global, publicInternet. Such software application may communicate with the variouscomponents of the motorized sport board 600 via software incorporatedwith the controlling elements of electronics 110. Such communication mayoccur wirelessly via network connectivity. Among other things, thesoftware application may provide users with a virtual version of slidingtab 902. Additionally, the software application may allow users tocustomize various settings, including operational parameters such aswhat top speed may be achieved by the motorized sport board 600 (up to acertain maximum level), as well as how quickly the motorized sport board600 accelerates. The software application may also give users theability to electronically lock and unlock the motorized sport board 600to prevent others from using it, as well as display a map indicating howfar the motorized sport board 600 may travel on its current batterycharge.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing system useful forimplementing example embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 setsforth illustrative computing functionality 1000 that may be used toimplement any component of the present disclosure. In all cases,computing functionality 1000 represents one or more physical andtangible processing mechanisms.

Computing functionality 1000 may comprise volatile and non-volatilememory, such as RAM 1002 and ROM 1004, as well as one or more processingdevices 1006 (e.g., one or more central processing units (CPUs), one ormore graphical processing units (GPUs), and the like). Computingfunctionality 1000 also optionally comprises various media devices 1008,such as a hard disk module, an optical disk module, and so forth.Computing functionality 1000 may perform various operations identifiedabove when the processing device(s) 1006 execute(s) instructions thatare maintained by memory (e.g., RAM 1002, ROM 1004, and the like).

More generally, instructions and other information may be stored on anycomputer readable medium 1010, including, but not limited to, staticmemory storage devices, magnetic storage devices, and optical storagedevices. The term “computer readable medium” also encompasses pluralstorage devices. In all cases, computer readable medium 1010 representssome form of physical and tangible entity. By way of example, and notlimitation, computer readable medium 1010 may comprise “computer storagemedia” and “communications media.”

“Computer storage media” comprises volatile and non-volatile, removableand non-removable media implemented in any method or technology forstorage of information, such as computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media maybe, for example, and not limitation, RAM 1002, ROM 1004, EEPROM, Flashmemory, or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks(DVD), or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape,magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any othermedium which can be used to store the desired information and which canbe accessed by a computer.

“Communication media” typically comprise computer readable instructions,data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated datasignal, such as carrier wave or other transport mechanism. Communicationmedia may also comprise any information delivery media. The term“modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of itscharacteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode informationin the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communicationmedia comprises wired media such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and otherwireless media. Combinations of any of the above are also includedwithin the scope of computer readable medium.

Computing functionality 1000 may also comprise an input/output module1012 for receiving various inputs (via input modules 1014), and forproviding various outputs (via one or more output modules). Oneparticular output module mechanism may be a presentation module 1016 andan associated GUI 1018. Computing functionality 1000 may also includeone or more network interfaces 1020 for exchanging data with otherdevices via one or more communication conduits 1022. In someembodiments, one or more communication buses 1024 communicatively couplethe above-described components together.

Communication conduit(s) 1022 may be implemented in any manner (e.g., bya local area network, a wide area network (e.g., the Internet), and thelike, or any combination thereof). Communication conduit(s) 1022 mayinclude any combination of hardwired links, wireless links, routers,gateway functionality, name servers, and the like, governed by anyprotocol or combination of protocols.

Alternatively, or in addition, any of the functions described herein maybe performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logiccomponents. For example, without limitation, illustrative types ofhardware logic components that may be used include Field-programmableGate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs),Application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems(SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and the like.

The terms “module” and “component” as used herein generally representsoftware, firmware, hardware, or combinations thereof. In the case of asoftware implementation, the module or component represents program codethat performs specified tasks when executed on a processor. The programcode may be stored in one or more computer readable memory devices. Thefeatures of the present disclosure described herein areplatform-independent, meaning that the techniques can be implemented ona variety of commercial computing platforms having a variety ofprocessors (e.g., set-top box, desktop, laptop, notebook, tabletcomputer, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile telephone, smarttelephone, gaming console, and the like).

While various example embodiments of the present disclosure have beendescribed above, it should be understood that they have been presentedby way of example and not limitation. It will be apparent to personsskilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detailcan be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure should not be limitedby any of the above described example embodiments.

In addition, it should be understood that the figures in theattachments, which highlight the structure, methodology, functionalityand advantages of the present disclosure, are presented for examplepurposes only. The present disclosure is sufficiently flexible andconfigurable, such that it may be implemented in ways other than thatshown in the accompanying figures (e.g., implementation within computingdevices and environments other than those mentioned herein). As will beappreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading thedescription herein, certain features from different example embodimentsof the devices and computer program products of the present disclosuremay be combined to form yet new example embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally and especially thescientists, engineers and practitioners in the relevant art(s) who arenot familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determinequickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of thistechnical disclosure. The Abstract is not intended to be limiting as tothe scope of the present disclosure in any way.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed herein, it will be obvious that such embodiments are providedby way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutionsmay be made without departing from the invention herein. Accordingly, itis intended that the invention be limited only by the spirit and scopeof the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a structural portionof a deck formed by a molded skin, the skin forming a nose, a tail, tworails connecting the nose to the tail, each rail comprising a respectiverail cavity, and a recess in the skin formed between the respective railcavities; wherein the structural portion is configured to secure trucksto a bottom portion of the structural portion opposite the recess. 2.The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the nose and the taildefines a cavity therein that is connected to the rail cavities.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein skin forming a side wall of the recess alsoforms a side of each of the two rails and is bonded to skin forming thebottom portion.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the skin comprises amonolithic, resin-infused fiber composite.
 5. A device, comprising: astructural portion of a deck, the structural portion comprising a nose,a tail, two rails between the nose and the tail, and a recess betweenthe two rails, wherein at least one of the nose, the tail, and the tworails comprises a skin molded to form an enclosed cavity, and whereinthe structural portion is configured to receive a pair of trucks on abottom surface opposite the recess.
 6. The device of claim 5, whereinthe skin comprises a resin-infused fiber composite.
 7. The device ofclaim. 5, wherein the structural portion comprises a skin surroundingthe enclosed cavity, wherein the skin forms the nose, the tail, the tworails, a top portion, and the bottom portion, and wherein the recess isformed in the top portion.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein skinforming a side wall of the recess is bonded to skin forming the bottomportion.
 9. The device of claim 5, the deck further comprising a topportion configured to cover the recess.
 10. The device of claim 9,further comprising a component disposed in the recess and configured asa positive stop to prevent deflection of the cover beyond a thresholdamount.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the component comprises ateast one of a battery and electronics.
 12. The device of claim 5,further comprising at least one of electronics and a battery configuredto power the electronics, the at least one being fully disposed in therecess.
 13. The device of claim 12, further comprising a motor secureddirectly to one truck of the pair of trucks and configured to propel thedevice.
 14. The device of claim 13, comprising both the battery and theelectronics, wherein the electronics comprise a controller configured tocontrol operation of the motor, a wireless communication arrangement,and software configured to enable remote adjustment of operatingparameters used by the controller to control the motor.
 15. A device,comprising: a structural portion of a deck, the structural portioncomprising a nose, a tail, two rails between the nose and the tail, anda recess between the two rails, wherein each rail of the two railsdefines a respective cavity therein; wherein in a cross sectional vieweach rail comprises a perimeter that includes respective portions of: atop portion and a bottom portion of the structural portion; a side ofthe structural portion; and a recess wall of the recess.
 16. The deviceof claim 15, wherein the perimeter is closed.
 17. The device of claim15, wherein the recess wall is bonded to the bottom portion of thestructural portion.
 18. The device of claim 15, wherein the bottomportion of the structural portion is disposed entirely above wheels on apair of trucks secured to the bottom portion.
 19. The device of claim15, further comprising a cover for the recess and a positive stopdisposed in the recess and configured to transfer load from the cover tothe bottom of the recess when the cover deflects beyond a thresholdamount.
 20. The device of claim 15, wherein the skin comprises aresin-infused fiber composite.